Child proof closure assembly

ABSTRACT

A child proof closure assembly particularly suitable for aerosol containers including an adapter having a central opening for receiving the dispensing valve of the container, a container locking portion, a plurality of container locking elements spaced from each other on the container locking portion, and container mounting means for securing the adapter to an aerosol container. The closure assembly also includes a cap having an end wall with a peripheral skirt projecting therefrom for receiving the container locking portion. A plurality of cap locking elements project from the inner surface of the skirt for engagement with and disengagement from the container locking elements by an axial motion followed successively by a rotative motion of the cap relative to the adapter. The assembly includes biasing means engageable between the cap and adapter for biasing the cap locking elements toward locked engagement with the container locking elements.

United States Patent n 1 Birrell [4 1 Feb. 18, 1975 1 CHILD PROOF CLOSURE ASSEMBLY [75] Inventor: Stewart Hector Birrell, Mississauga,

Ontario, Canada [73] Assignee: Reflex Corporation of Canada Limited, Windsor, Ontario, Canada [22] Filed: May 5, 1972 21 Appl. No.: 250,720

Related U.S. Application Data [63] Continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 158,823, July 1,

1971, abandoned.

[52] U.S. Cl. 222/153, 215/9 [51] Int. Cl B67d 5/32 [58} Field of Search 220/85 P, 40 R, 40 S, 60; 215/9; 222/182, 153

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,767,888 10/1956 Soffer 220/60 R 3,478,911 11/1969 Hedgewick et al. 215/9 3,595,427 7/1971 Markowitz 220/60 R X 3,655,100 4/1972 Markowitz 222/182 3,659,735 5/1972 Landen 215/9 3,690,495 9/1972 Turner.... 215/9 3,706,401 12/1972 Gach 222/153 3,716,161 2/1973 Julian et a1. 215/9 3,720,342 3/1973 Vercillo .(215/9 3,729,119 4/1973 Sette 222/153 Primary Examiner-Stanley H. Tollberg Assistant Examiner-Norman L. Stack, Jr. Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Reising, Ethington & Perry [57] ABSTRACT A child proof closure assembly particularly suitable for aerosol containers including an adapter having a central opening for receiving the dispensing valve of the container, a container locking portion, a plurality of container locking elements spaced from each other on the container locking portion, and container mounting means for securing the adapter to an aerosol container. The closure assembly also includes a cap .having an end wall with a peripheral skirt projecting therefrom for receiving the container locking portion. A plurality of cap locking elements project from the inner surface of the skirt for engagement with and disengagement from the container locking elements by an axial motion followed successively by a rotative motion of the cap relative to the adapter. The assembly includes biasing means engageable between the cap and adapter for biasing the cap locking elements 8 toward locked engagement with the container locking elements.

32 Claims, 11 Drawing Figures PATENTEI] FEB l 8l975 sum 30F 4 CHILD PROOF CLOSURE ASSEMBLY This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 158,823 filed July 1, 1971, now abandoned, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

This invention relates generally to child proof closure assemblies, and is particularly concerned with a child proof safety closure assembly suitable for use with dispensing containers such as aerosol spray dispensers.

Many substances that are potentially dangerous to young children are stored and sold in pressurized containers, sometimes referred to as aerosol containers, wherein the contents of the container may be dispensed in a fine spray through a valve attached to the container. Such substances include paint, household chemicals, cosmetics, insecticides, and the like. Aerosol containers are intended to refer to herein as dispensing containers of the type in which the contents are dispensed through a valve by means of a pressurizing agent such as carbon dioxide. By pressing the'valve toward the container, or otherwise manipulating the valve, the contents of the container are sprayed through the valve due to the pressurization of the container.

Much attention has recently been generated to the alarming increase in accidental poisonings resulting from young children having access to unsafe substances. Consequently, there is a recognized need for child proof safety packaging for such potentially dangerous substances. Examples of prior art apparatus in this field are disclosed in US. Pat. Nos. 3,430,796; 3,460,707; 3,482,723 and 3,514,011.

To fulfill the criteria of a child proof safety package or closure assembly, the closure assembly must be constructed in such a manner that the type of manipulation required to gain access to the contents of the container is one that a young child is incapable of performing. For example, it has been found that most small children are capable of unscrewing a conventional screw cap from a container to gain access to its contents. However, it has also been found that young children are generally incapable of manipulating a cap that is mounted on a container in such a manner that the cap must be pushed axially relative to the container and then rotated relative to the container in order to remove the cap from the container.

Hedgewick US. Pat. No. 3,344,942 discloses a safety cap and container wherein a plurality of container locking elements are spaced peripherally from each other on the outer wall of the container for engagement with complementary cap locking elements on the inner wall of the peripheral skirt projecting axially from the end wall of the cap. The cap and container locking elements are of the type wherein the cap must be engaged with and disengaged from the container by combined axial'and rotative motion of the cap relative to the container. When the cap is mounted on the container, the cap locking elements are biased against disengagement from the container locking elements by a spring member in the form of an integral annular web formed on the cap.

An object of this invention is to provide a child proof safety closure assembly particularly suitable for use with aerosol dispensing containers, and other containers having dispensing valves, plungers, and the like, wherein combined axial and rotative motion of a cap relative to the container is necessary in order to gain access to the dispensing valve of the container.

A further object of this invention is to provide a child proof safety closure assembly particularly suitable to be mounted on conventional aerosol containers so that the dispensing valve of the container is inaccessible to young children.

A further object is to provide a child proof safety closure assembly including an adapter that can be secured to a conventional aerosol container, and a cap that can be mounted on the adapter in such a manner that the cap must be engaged with and disengaged from the adapter by combined axial and rotative motion of the cap relative to the adapter and hence to the container on which the adapter is mounted.

A further object is to provide a safety cap adapter that can be secured to a conventional aerosol container to adapt the container for use with a safety cap of the type that, when mounted on the container, must be pushed axially toward the container against a biasing force and then rotated relative to the container before it can be removed from the container and thereby permit dispensing of the contents of the container.

In carrying out the foregoing, and other objects, a safety cap adapter according to the present invention includes a container mounting collar for securing the adapter to an aerosol container. A container locking portion is carried by the collar, and a plurality of container locking elements are spaced peripherally from each other on the container locking portion, the container locking elements being of the type that are adapted to be engaged with and disengaged from complementary locking elements on a safety cap with which the adapter is to be used by an axial motion followed successively by a rotative motion. The adapter is formed with resilient biasing means for biasing the safety cap toward locked engagement with the adapter. The adapter is of one-piece, molded plastic construction. 7 I

When the adapter is secured to the rim of an aerosol container, the container is adapted to receive a safety cap of the type that, when mounted on the container, must be pushed axially toward the container against a biasing force and then rotated relative to the container before it can be removed from the container and thereby permit the valve to be actuated to dispense the contents of the container.

In accordance with the present invention, the safety cap of the closure assembly of cap and adapter includes an end wall, a peripheral skirt projecting from the end wall for receiving the container locking portion of the adapter, and a plurality of cap locking elements spaced peripherally from each other on the inner surface of the skirt. The cap locking elements are of the type that are engageable with and disengageable from the container locking elements of the adapter by an axial motion followed successively by a rotative motion of the cap relative to the adapter. Biasing means is engageable between the cap and adapter for biasing the cap locking elements toward locked engagement with the container locking elements.

The biasing means must include a resilient flexible member on either the cap or adapter. Since the amount of material required for the adapter is less than the amount of material required for the safety cap, economy dictates that the resilient biasing means be formed on the adapter with the cap being formed of less expensive plastic material. Consequently, in the illustrated embodiments of the present invention, the adapter is formed with resilient biasing means, and the safety cap is formed with a plunger element for engaging the resilient biasing means on the adapter so that the plunger and resilient means constitute biasing means between the cap and adapter for urging the cap locking elements toward locking engagement with the container locking elements.

In accordance with the illustrated embodiments of the present invention, the adapter biasing means comprises integral spring means projecting radially from the adapter collar. As shown in one of the illustrated embodiments, the spring means may project outwardly from the collar and be in the form of an annular, outwardly projecting flange. In another embodiment, the spring means comprises a plurality of peripherally spaced flanges projecting outwardly from the collar. In other embodiments, the spring means projects radially inwardly from the collar.

The invention is thus embodied in (l) a safety cap adapter that can be mounted on an aerosol or like container, (2) a safety closure assembly including the safety cap adapter and a safety cap, (3) a container having thh safety cap adapter mounted thereon, and (4) a container having the safety closure assembly mounted thereon.

Other objects, advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a child proof safety closure assembly according to the present invention, the closure assembly being mounted on a conventional aerosol container;

FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view similar to FIG. 1 illustrating the cap in a different position on the container;

FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view of a safety closure assembly mounted on an aerosol can having a slightly modified construction to that of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a safety closure assembly embodying the invention in another form, the safety closure assembly of FIG. 4 also being shown mounted on a conventional aerosol container;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 with the cap in a different position from that shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a safety closure assembly embodying the invention in another form, the safety closure assembly of FIG. 6 also being shown mounted on a conventional aerosol container;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 4 with the cap in a different position from that shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the adapter portion of the safety closure assembly of FIGS. 6 and 7;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a safety closure assembly embodying the invention in still another form, the safety closure assembly of FIG. 9 also being shown mounted on a convention aerosol container;

FIG. 10 is a partial sectional view similar to FIG. 9 with the cap in a different position from that shown in FIG. 9: and

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the adapter portion of the safety closure assembly of FIG. 9.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 collectively designates an aerosol container having a cylindrical main body portion 12, a domed top portion 14, and acover member 16 secured to the top portion 14. The cover member 16 has an upstanding hollow boss 18, and a peripheral rim 20 on the outer wall of the cover 16. The rim 20 has a top surface 20a and a side surface 20b depending therefrom.

Mounted in the hollow boss 18 is a dispensing valve portion 22 having a dispensing opening 24. By pressing the valve 22 toward the cover 16, the contents of the container 10 are caused to spray through the opening 24 due to pressurization of contents in the container.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 30 collectively designates a child proof safety closure assembly according to the invention. The closure assembly 30 includes an adapter 32 having a central opening 34 through which projects the dispensing portion 22 of the container 10. The adapter 32 also includes a cylindrical collar 35 enclosing the central opening 34, and the outer surface of the collar 35 defines a container locking portion 36 which extends axially with respect to the central opening. A plurality of container locking elements 38 are spaced from each other on the container locking portion 36, and the adapter also includes container mounting means 40 for securing the adapter 32 to the rim 20 of the container.

The container locking elements 38 may be of the type shown in the above-referred to Hedgewick U.S. Pat. No. 3,344,942, and each includes a radially outwardly extending projection on the container locking portion 36. Each of the projections is formed with a notch 42 formed between a stop portion 44 and a cam portion 46.

The safety closure assembly 30 further includes a cap designated collectively by reference numeral 50, the cap 50 having an end wall 52, a peripheral skirt projecting from the end wall, the peripheral skirt having an upper portion 54 extending axially and radially outwardly from the end wall 52, a radially outwardly extending portion 56 at the lower end of portion 54, and an axially extending portion 58 extending from the radially extending portion 56. The skirt portion 58 receives the container locking portion 36 of the adapter 32 when the cap is applied to the adapter.

A plurality of cap locking elements 60 are spaced peripherally from each other on the inner surface of the skirt portion 58, the cap locking elements 60 being engageable with and disengageable from the container locking elements 38 by an axial motion followed successively by a rotative motion of the cap relative to the adapter. The cap locking elements 60 project radially inwardly from the skirt portion 58, and openings 61 are formed in the radially extending portion 56, each opening 61 overlying one of the cap locking elements 60. Each of the openings 61 has a circumferential and radial dimension at least as large as the corresponding di mension of the top of the respective underlying locking element 60. The tops of the locking elements 60 can be formed flat by pins from the molding apparatus in which the cap 50 is molded projecting through the radially extending portion 56 and forming openings 61.

The child proof safety closure assembly 30 further includes biasing means engageable between the cap 50 and adapter 32 for biasing the cap locking elements 60 toward locked engagement with the container locking elements 38. The biasing means includes a cap biasing element 62 and an adapter biasing element 64 which is engageable by the cap biasing element 62 when the cap 50 is applied to the adapter 32 such that the container locking portion 36 of the adapter 32 is received within the skirt portion 58. The cap biasing element 62 is in the form of a hollow plunger depending from the end wall 52 of the cap, the free end of the plunger being engageable with the adapter biasing element 64. The dispensing valve 22 projects through the opening 34 defined by the collar 36 and is received within the hollow plunger 62.

The adapter biasing element 64, as shown in FIG. 1, comprises a spring flange member projecting radially inwardly from the collar 35, the spring member 64 projecting into the central opening 34. The spring member 64 is annular with its inner annular end molded integrally to the collar 36 and has an outer free end which is resiliently deflectible in a direction parallel to the axis of the central opening 34. The mounting portion 40 includes an annular shoulder projecting radially inwardly from the collar 35 beneath the free edge of the rim 20 of the container. The collar includes a generally axially extending surface 35a engaging the side surface 20b of the rim 20, and the shoulder 40 projects radially from the collar and projects beneath the side surface 20b. When the collar 35 is pressed onto the rim 20, the container mounting shoulder 40 snaps beneath the edge of the rim 20 to secure the adapter to the container.

The closure assembly 30 includes interengageable stop elements on the cap and adapter for limiting the axial motion of the cap toward the adapter so that the end wall of the cap does not depress the valve 22 when the cap is pushed axially toward the container to withdraw the cap locking elements 60 from the notches 42 of the container locking elements 38. In the FIG. 1 embodiment, the stop elements are provided by the radially extending section 56 of the skirt 54, and the upwardly projecting rim 66 on the container. locking portion 36 of the adapter 32. As shown in FIG. 2, the radially extending stop section 56 of the cap 50 engages rim 66 upon predetermined movement of the cap 50 toward the adapter 32 and corresponding predetermined deflection of the spring member 64, such predetermined movement being insufficient to permit the end wall 52 of the cap from engaging the valve 22.

FIG. 3 illustrates a slightly modified construction for use with a container having an annular groove 11' at the juncture between the main cylindrical portion 12 of the container and the top portion 14 thereof. The closure assembly 30' in FIG. 3 includes an adapter 32' including a side wall 16 which depends from a collar 35 the outer surface 36' of which defines the container locking portion of the adapter 32. The free end portion 17 of the side wall 16' is snap-engaged in the annular groove 11'.

The container mounting portion of the adapter32' of FIG. 3 includes, in addition to the snap beadl7 at the free end of side wall 16', a shoulder 40' projecting radially inwardly from collar 36' identical to shoulder 40 of the FIGS. 1 and 2 embodiment, as well as an annular flange 41 depending from the spring flange 64'. The flange 41 cooperates with collar 36'to define a groove 43 for receiving the rim 20 of the container.

The closure assembly 30 of the embodiment of FIG. 3 is applied to the container 10' by resiliently pressing the rim 20 into the groove 43' until the annular shoulder 40' snaps into position beneath the edge of rim 20'.

With reference to the FIGS. 1 and 2embodiment, when the cap is placed over the container with the adapter 32 secured thereto, the skirt portion 58 axially receives the container locking portion 36 of the adapter, with the cap locking elements or lugs 60 passing between the container locking elements 38. The plunger 62 receives the dispensing valve portion 22 of the container 10, and the lower free end of the plunger 62 engages the spring member 64. As the cap is rotated relative to the adapter, and hence the container, the cap locking elements 60 move into alignment with the notches 42 of the container locking elements 38, and the spring element 64 is deflected to approximately the postion shown in FIG. 2. When the cap is released, the spring member 64 returns to its unstressed position of FIG. 1 to cause the cap locking elements 60 to engage the top surface of the notch 42. The above manipulation must be reversed in order to remove the cap 50 from the adapter 32 to permit the valve 22 to be operated to dispense the contents of the container 10. As the cap is pushed axially toward the container, the en- 1 gagement of the stop section 56 of the cap with the stop rim 66 of the adapter prevents the end wall 52 of the cap from pressing or otherwise actuating the valve 22, and also prevents overstressing of the spring flange 64.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5, the closure assembly 130 is mounted on a container having a domed top portion 114, a cover portion 116 having a peripheral rim 120, and a dispensing valve 122. An annular groove 111 is also provided in the container 110 at the junction between the cylindrical portion 112 and the top portion 114. i

The closure assembly comprises an adapter 132 having container mounting means including a collar enclosing an opening 134 through which the dispensing valve 122 projects, and a shoulder projecting radially inwardly from the collar I35 beneath the lower free edge of the rim 120 of the container. When the collar 135 is pressed axially onto the rim 120, the shoulder 140 snaps beneath the rim 120 to firmly secure the collar 135 against axial withdrawal from the rim 120'. I I

Projecting radially outwardly from the lower end of the collar 135 is'a top wall portion 141, and a side wall depending therefrom including an upper cylindrical portion 136 and a lower portion 139 depending from the cylindrical portion 136.

The cylindrical portion 136 defines a container locking portion, and a plurality of container locking elements 138 project outwardly on the container locking portion 136 in spaced relationship with each other. The

container locking elements 138 are identical in construction to the corresponding container locking elements 38 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2.

The container mounting means also includes, in the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5, an annular bead 143 on the lower free end of the side wall portion 139, the bead 143 being received in the groove 11] of the container, and resiliently engaging the inner wall thereof.

The closure assembly 130 includes a cap designated collectively by reference numeral and having an end wall 152 wirh a peripheral skirt 154 projecting from the end wall 152 for receiving the container locking portion 136. A plurality of cap locking elements project inwardly from the inner surface of the skirt 154 for engagement with and disengagement from the container locking elements 138 by an axial motion followed successively by a rotative motion of the cap relative to the adapter as in the previously described embodiments.

As in the previously described embodiment, the closure assembly 130 includes biasing means engageable between the cap 150 and adapter 132 for biasing the cap locking elements 160 toward locked engagement with the container locking elements 138. The biasing means in the embodiment of FIG. 4 includes a cap biasing element 162 and an adapter biasing element 164 engageable by the cap biasing element 162 when the cap is applied to the adapter. The cap biasing element 162 is in the form of a hollow plunger depending from the end wall 152, the free end of the hollow plunger 162 engaging the element 164. When the cap is applied to the adapter, the valve 122 is received in the hollow plunger 162.

The adapter biasing element164 comprises a radially projecting spring member which projects radially outwardly from the upper end of the collar 135. The spring member 164 is annular and has an inner annular end molded integrally to the collar 135, and an outer free end which is resiliently deflectible, as illustrated in FIG. 5, in a direction parallel to the axis of the central opening 134 and to the longitudinal axis of the container.

As in the previously described embodiment, the closure assembly 130 includes interengageable stop elements on the cap 152 and adapter 132 for limiting the axial motion of the cap toward the adapter to prevent engagement of the valve 122 by the end wall 152 of the cap. In the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5, the interengageable stop elements include a cylindrical extension 156 projecting axially from the lower free'end of the skirt 154, and a shoulder 166 on the side wall portion 139. Thus, the lower end of the extension 156 engages the shoulder 166 upon predetermined movement of the cap 150 toward the adapter 132 and corresponding deflection of the spring member 164.

In FIG. 6, reference numeral 210 collectively designates an aerosol container having a cylindrical main body portion 212, a domed top portion 214, and a cover member 216 secured to the top portion 214. The cover member 216 has an upstanding hollow boss 218, and a peripheral rim 220 is formed on the outer wall of the cover 216.

Mounted in the hollow boss 218 is a dispersing valve portion 222 having a dispensing opening 224. By pressing the valve 222 toward the cover 216, the contents of the container 210 are caused to spray through the opening 224 due to pressurization of the contents of the container, as in the previously described embodiments.

In FIG. 6, reference numeral 230 collectively designates a child-proof safety closure assembly. The closure assembly 230 includes an adapter 232 having a central opening 234 through which projects the dispensing portion 222 of the container 210. The adapter 232 also includes a cylindrical collar 235 enclosing the central opening 234, and the outer surface of the collar 235 defines a container locking portion 236 which extends axially with respect to the central opening 234. A plurality of container locking elements 238 are spaced from each other on the container locking portion 236, and the adapter also includes container mounting means 240 for securing the adapter 232 to the rim 220 of the container. The container locking elements 238 may be of identical construction to the container locking elements 38 and 1380f the previously described embodiments, and each includes a radially outwardly extending projection on the container locking portion 236. Each of the projections is formed with a notch 242 formed between a stop portion 244 and a cam portion 246.

The safety closure assembly 230 further includes a cap designated collectively by reference numeral 250, the cap 250 having an end wall 252, a peripheral skirt projecting from the end wall, the peripheral skirt having an upper portion 254 extending axially from the end wall 252, a radially outwardly extending portion 256 at the lower end of portion 254, and an axially extending portion 258 extending from the periphery of the radially extending portion 256.

The child-proof safety closure 230 further includes biasing means engageable between the cap 250 andthe adapter 232 for biasing the cap 250 into locked engagement with the container. The biasing means includes cap biasing means 262, and adapter biasingmeans 264 engageable by thecap biasing means 262 when the cap 250 is applied to the adapter 232. The cap biasing means in the embodiment of FIG. 6 is in the form of a hollow plunger 262 depending from the inner periphery of the portion 256, and forming an extension of the skirt portion 254, the free end of the plunger 262 being engageable with the adapter biasing means 264.

A plurality of cap locking elements 260 are spaced peripherally from each other on the inner surface of the plunger element 262, the cap locking elements 260 being engageable with the disengageable from the container locking elements 238 by an axial motion followed successively by a rotative motion of the cap relative to the adapter. The cap locking elements 260 project radially inwardly from the plunger 262, and openings 261 are formed in the end wall 252, each opening 261 overlying one of the cap locking elements 260. Each of the openings 261 has a circumferential and radial dimension at least as large as the corresponding dimension of the top of the respective underlying locking element 260. The tops of the locking elements 260 can be formed flat by pins from the molding apparatus in which the cap 250 is molded, the pins projecting through the end wall 252 and forming the openings 261, as in the previously described embodiments.

The adapter biasing means 264 comprises integral spring means projecting radially outwardly from the collar 235. As shown in FIG. 8, the spring means comprises a plurality of peripherally spaced flanges 264 projecting outwardly from the collar 235, the spring flanges 264 each being located between an adjacent pair of the peripherally spaced container locking elements 238. Each of the spring flanges 264 has its inner end molded integrally to the collar 235 and has an outer free end which is resiliently deflectable in a direction parallel to the axis of the central opening 234 through which the valve assembly 222 projects.

The mounting portion 240 of the adapter 232 includes an annular shoulder 240 projecting radially inwardly from the collar 235 beneath the free edge of the rim 220 of the container. When the collar 235 is pressed onto the rim 220, the container mounting shoulder 240 snaps beneath the edge of the rim 220 to secure the adapter 232 to the container. 7

In the FIG. 6 embodiment, axial motion of the cap toward the adapter is limited by engagement of the lower end of the skirt portion 258 with an annular groove 211 formed in the container at the juncture between the main cylindrical portion 212 and the top portion 214. Consequently, the end wall 252 of the cap does not depress the valve 222 when the cap is pushed axially toward the container to withdraw the cap locking elements 260 from the notches 242 of the container locking elements 238.

Thus, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6 through 8, the adapter 232 includes a container mounting collar 235 for securing the adapter to a container, a container locking portion 236 carried by the collar, a plurality of container locking elements 238 spaced peripherally from each other on the container locking portion 236, and resilient biasing means 264. The collar 235 includes a radially inwardly extending top portion 241 which overlies the container rim 222, and an axially extending side portion which defines the container locking portion 236. The container locking elements 238 each project from the side portion adjacent the upper edge thereof, and the biasing means 264 comprises integral spring flange means 264 projecting outwardly from the lower edge of the side portion.

With reference to the embodiments of FIGS. 9 through 11, reference numeral 310 collectively designates an aerosol container having a cylindrical main body portion 312, a domed top portion 314, and a cover member 316 secured to the top portion 314. The cover member 316 has an upstanding hollow boss 318, and a peripheral rim 320 is formed on the outer wall of the cover 316.

Mounted in the hollow boss 318 is a dispensing valve portion 322 having a dispensing opening 324. By pressing the valve 322 toward the cover 316, the contents of the container 310 are caused to spray through the opening 324 due to pressurization of contants in the container.

In FIG. 9, reference numeral 330 collectively designates a child-proof safety closure assembly including an adapter 332 having container mounting means including a collar 335 enclosing an opening 334 through which the dispensing valve 322 projects, and a shoulder 340 projecting radially inwardly from the collar 335 beneath the lower free edge of the rim 320 of the container. When the collar 335 is pressed axially onto the rim 320, the shoulder 340 snaps beneath the rim 320 to firmly secure the collar 335 against axial withdrawal from the rim 320.

Projecting radially outwardly from the upper end of the collar 335 is a top wall portion 341, and a side wall 336 depends from the top wall 341. The side wall 336 defines a container locking portion, and a plurality of container locking elements 338 project outwardly on the container locking portion 336 in spaced relationship with each other.

The side wall includes a plurality of inwardly recessed portions 337 spaced from each other along the periphery of the top wall portion 341, the container locking elements 338 being located on the recessed portions 337 at the upper ends thereof. The container locking elements 338 include a cam portion 346 and a notch 342. Each container locking element 338 projects outwardly from one of the recessed portions 337. The recessed portions 337 each includes spaced edges 337a and 337b, and a slot 337c is defined between each container locking element 338 and one edge 337a of the associated recessed portion 337 to permit entry of a cap locking element into the recessed extending portion 358 extending from the periphery of the radially extending portion 356. A plurality of cap locking elements 360 project inwardly from the inner surface of the skirt portion 358 for engagement with and disengagement from the container locking elements 338 by an axial motion followed successively by a rotative motion of the cap relative to the adapter as in the previously described embodiments.

The closure assembly 330 includes biasing means engageable between the cap 350 and adapter332 for biasing the cap locking elements 360 toward locked engagement with the container locking elements 338. The biasing means in the embodiment of FIG. 9 includes a cap biasing element 362, and an adapter biasing element 364 engageable by the cap biasing element 362 with the cap is applied to the adapter. The cap biasing element 362 is in the form of a hollow plunger depending from the end wall 352, the free end of the hollow plunger 362 engaging the element 364. When the cap is applied to the adapter, the valve 322 is received in the hollow plunger 362.

The adapter biasing element 364 comprises a radially projecting spring member which projects radially inwardly from the upper end of the collar 335. The spring member 364 is annular and has an inner annular end molded integrally to the collar and an outer free end which is resiliently deflectable, as illustrated in FIG. 10, in a direction parallel to the axis of the central opening 334 and to the longitudinal axis of the container. I

The closure assembly 330 includes interengageable stop elements on the cap 352 and adapter 332 for limiting the axial motion of the cap toward the adapter to prevent engagement of the valve 322 by theend wall 352 of the cap. In the embodiment of FIGS. 9 through 11, the interengageable stop elements are provided by the radially extending section 356 of the skirt 354, and the top valve portion 351 of the adapter 332. As shown in FiG. 10, the radially extending-stop section 356 of the cap 350 engages the top wall portion 341 upon predetermined movement of the cap 350 toward the adapter 332 and corresponding predetermined deflection of the spring member 364, such predetermined movement being insufficient to permit the end wall 352 v of the cap from engaging the valve 322.

In each of the illustrated embodiments, the components of the closure assembly are of molded plastic material, and by plastic is meant organic polymeric material. The adapters 32, 32', 132, 232 and 332 may, for example, be formed of an acetal resin of composition (OCH,)n derived by polymerization of formaldehyde and sold under the Trademark DELRIN. The caps 50, 150, 250 and 350 may be composed of polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene and other plastics. The caps may, of course, also be composed of DELRIN, and the adapters may be composed of plastics other than DELRIN."

While the closure assemblies 30, 30', 130, 230 and 330 are illustrated as being applied to pressurized aerosol containers, they each may also be applied to nonpressurized containers having manually operable pump-type dispensers or plungers, or othertypes of dispensers.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing specification, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the exact construction shown. Alterations in the construction and arrangement of parts, all falling within the scope and spirit of the invention, will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

I claim:

1. A child proof closure assembly comprising: an adapter having a central opening and a mounting portion adapted to be secured to an aerosol container or the like, a container locking portion extending axially with respect to said central opening, a plurality of container locking elements spaced from each other on said container locking portion, and container mounting means for securing said adapter to a container; a cap having an end wall, a peripheral skirt projecting from said end wall for receiving said container locking portion, and a plurality of cap locking elements spaced peripherally from. each other on the inner surface of said skirt; said cap locking elements being engageable with and disengageable from said container locking elements by an axial motion followed successively by a rotative motion of said cap relative to said adapter; and biasing means engageable between said cap and adapter for biasing said cap locking elements toward locked engagement with said container locking elements, said biasing means including radially projecting spring means integrally formed on one of said cap and adapter and plunger means integrally formed on the other of said cap and adapter, said plunger means being engaged with said spring means with the cap and container locking elements are in locked'engagement with each other such that the cap and container locking elements are biased against movement from locked engagement with-each other by the engagement of said plunger means with said spring means; said cap and container locking elements being axially disengageable by axial movement of said cap toward said adapter to cause said plunger means to deflect said spring means.

2. An assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein said radially projecting spring means is formed on said adapter, and said plunger means is formed on said cap.

3. An assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein said spring means comprises a plurality of peripherally spaced flanges projecting radially outwardly from said adapter.

4. An assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein said spring means comprises a radially projecting spring member surrounding said opening.

5. An assembly as claimed in claim 4 wherein aaid spring member comprises an annular flange with an inner annular end molded integrally to said adapter and a resiliently deflectable annular free end.

6. An assembly as claimed in claim 5 wherein said spring member projects radially into said central opening.

7. An assembly as claimed in claim 5 wherein the free end of said spring member projects radially outwardly with respect to said central opening.

8. An assembly as claimed in claim 1 further including interengageable stop elements on said cap and adapter for limiting the axial motion of said cap toward said adapter.

9. An adapter as claimed in claim 8 wherein said biasing means comprises integral spring means projecting radially from said collar.

10. An adapter as claimed in claim 9 wherein said container mounting collar includes an inwardly projecting resilient shoulder for securing the collar to a container cover.

11. An adapter as claimed in claim 9 wherein said biasing means comprises integral spring means projecting radially from said collar.

12. An adapter as claimed in claim 11 wherein said spring means project radially inwardly from said collar.

13. An adapter as claimed in claim 9 wherein said spring means projects radially outwardly from said collar.

14. An adapter as claimed in claim 13 wherein said spring means comprises an annular, outwardly projecting flange.

15. An adapter as claimed in claim 13 wherein said spring means comprises a plurality of peripherally spaced flanges projecting outwardly from said collar.

16. An adapter as claimed in claim 9 including a top wall portion projecting outwardly from said collar, and a side wall depending from the periphery of said top wall portion and defining said container locking portion.

17. An adapter as claimed in claim 16 wherein said side wall includes a plurality of inwardly recessed portions spaced from each other along the periphery of said top wal portion, said container locking elements being located on said recessed portions.

18. An adapter as claimed in claim 17 wherein each container locking elements projects outwardly from one of the recessed portions, and a slot is defined be tween each container locking element and one edge of the associated recessed portion to permit entry of a cap locking element into said recessed portion.

19. An adapter as claimed in claim 9 wherein-said collar includes a radially inwardly extending top portion, and an axially extending side portion, said side portion defining said container locking portion, said container locking elements each projecting from said side portion adjacent the upper edge thereof, and said biasing means comprising integral spring flange means projecting outwardly from the lower edge of said side portion.

20. An adapter as claimed in claim 19 wherein said spring flange means includes a plurality of spring flanges, each being located between an adjacent-pair of said container locking elements,

21. A child proof closure assembly comprising: an adapter having a container mounting collar for securing said adapter to a'container; a container locking portion carried by said collar, and a plurality of container locking elements spaced from each other on said container locking portion; a safety cap having an end wall, a peripheral skirt projecting from said end wall for receiving said container locking portion, a plurality of cap locking elements spaced peripherally from each other on the inner surface of said skirt; said cap locking elements being engageable with and disengageable from said container locking elements by an axial motion followed successively by a rotative motion of said cap relative to said adapter; and biasing means engageable between said cap and adapter for biasing said cap locking elements toward locked engagement with said container locking elements, said biasing means comprising at least one resilient biasing element on said collar and a plunger on said cap engageable with said resilient biasing element and cooperable therewith to urge said cap locking elements into engagement with said container locking elements, said resilient biasing element comprising an integral flange projecting radially from said collar.

22. An assembly as claimed in claim 21 wherein said flange projects radially outwardly from said collar.

23. An assembly as claimed in claim 21 wherein said flange projects radially inwardly from said collar.

24. An assembly as claimed in claim 21 wherein said adapter includes a top wall portion projecting outwardly from said collar, and a side wall depending from the periphery of said top wall portion and defining said container locking portion.

25. An assembly as claimed in claim 24 wherein said side wall includes a plurality of inwardly recessed portions spaced from each other along the periphery of said top wall portion, said container locking elements being located on said recessed portions.

26. An assembly as claimed in claim 25 wherein each container locking element projects outwardly from one of the recessed portions, and a slot is defined between each container locking element andone edge of the associated recessed portion to permit entry of a cap locking element into said recessed portion.

27. An assembly as claimed in claim 21 wherein said collar includes a radially inwardly extending top portion, and an axially extending side portion, said side portion defining said container locking portion, said container locking elements each projecting from said side portion adjacent the upper edge thereof, and said biasing means comprising integral spring flange means projecting outwardly from the lower edge of said side portion.

28. An assembly as claimed in claim 27 wherein said spring flange means includes a plurality of spring flanges, spring means integrally formed on one of said cap and adapter and plunger means integrally formed on the other of said cap and adapter, said plunger means being engaged with said spring means when the cap and container locking elements are in locked engagement with each other such that the cap and container locking elements are biased against movement from locked engagement with each other by the engagement of said plunger means with said spring means; said cap and container locking elements being axially disengageable by axial movement of said cap toward said adapter to cause said plunger means to deflect said spring means.

29. An assembly as claimed in claim 21 further ineluding interengageable stop elements on said cap and adapter for limiting the axial motion of said cap toward said adapter.

30. An assembly as claimed in claim 29 wherein said interengageable stop elements comprises a radially extending stop section on the skirt of said cap, and an upwardly projecting rim on the container locking portion of said adapter engageable by said stop section upon predetermined movement of said cap toward said adapter and corresponding predetermined deflection of said spring member.

31. An assembly as claimed in claim 29 wherein said interengageable stop elements comprises a cylindrical extension projecting axially from the free end of the skirt of said cap, and a shoulder on said adapter engageable by said extension upon predetermined movement of said cap toward said adapter and corresponding deflection of said spring member.

32. A safety closure and container assembly comprising: a container having an annular retaining rim, said rim having a top surface and a side surface depending from said top surface; a molded plastic safety cap adapter mounted on said container; said adapter comprising an annular collar with a generally axially extending surface engaging the side surface of said rim and an annular shoulder projecting beneath the side surface of said rim to restrain said adapter against axial withdrawal from said rim, said adapter further including a container locking portion, a plurality of spaced container locking elements on said container locking portion; a cap having a skirt receiving said container locking portion, and a plurality of cap locking elements spaced from each other on the inner surface of said skirt, said cap locking elements being engageable with and disengageable from said container locking elements by an axial motion followed successively by a rotative motion of said cap relative to said adapter; and further including biasing means engageable between said cap and adapter for biasing said cap locking elements toward locked engagement with said container locking elements, said biasing means including radially projecting spring means integrally formed on one of said cap and adapter and resiliently deflectable in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said container, and plunger means integrally formed on the other of said cap andadapter, said plunger means being engaged with said spring means when the cap and container locking elements are in locked engagement with each other such that the cap and container locking elements are biased against movement from locked engagement with each other by the engagement of said plunger means with said spring means; said cap and container locking elements being axially disengageable by axial movement of said cap toward said adapter to cause said plunger means to deflect said spring means. 

1. A child proof closure assembly comprising: an adapter having a central opening and a mounting portion adapted to be secured to an aerosol container or the like, a container locking portion extending axially with respect to said central opening, a plurality of container locking elements spaced from each other on said container locking portion, and container mounting means for securing said adapter to a container; a cap having an end wall, a peripheral skirt projecting from said end wall for receiving said container locking portion, and a plurality of cap locking elements spaced peripherally from each other on the inner surface of said skirt; said cap locking elements being engageable with and disengageable from said container locking elements by an axial motion followed successively by a rotative motion of said cap relative to said adapter; and biasing means engageable between said cap and adapter for biasing said cap locking elements toward locked engagement with said container locking elements, said biasing means including radially projecting spring means integrally formed on one of said cap and adapter and plunger means integrally formed on the other of said cap and adapter, said plunger means being engaged with said spring means with the cap and container locking elements are in locked engagement with each other such that the cap and container locking elements are biased against movement from locked engagement with each other by the engagement of said plunger means with said spring means; said cap and container locking elements being axially disengageable by axial movement of said cap toward said adapter to cause said plunger means to deflect said spring means.
 2. An assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein said radially projecting spring means is formed on said adapter, and said plunger means is formed on said cap.
 3. An assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein said spring means comprises a plurality of peripherally spaced flanges projecting radially outwardly from said adapter.
 4. An assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein said spring means comprises a radially projecting spring member surrounding said opening.
 5. An assembly as claimed in claim 4 wherein aaid spring member comprises an annular flange with an inner annular end molded integrally to said adapter and a resiliently deflectable annular free end.
 6. An assembly as claimed in claim 5 wherein said spring member projects radially into said central opening.
 7. An assembly as claimed in claim 5 wherein the free end of said spring member projects radially outwardly with respect to said central opening.
 8. An assembly as claimed in claim 1 further including interengageable stop elements on said cap and adapter for limiting the axial motion of said cap toward said adapter.
 9. An adapter as claimed in claim 8 wherein said biasing means comprises integral spring means projecting radially from said collar.
 10. An adapter as claimed in claim 9 wherein said container mounting collar includes an inwardly projecting resilient shoulder for securing the collar to a container cover.
 11. An adapter as claimed in claim 9 whErein said biasing means comprises integral spring means projecting radially from said collar.
 12. An adapter as claimed in claim 11 wherein said spring means project radially inwardly from said collar.
 13. An adapter as claimed in claim 9 wherein said spring means projects radially outwardly from said collar.
 14. An adapter as claimed in claim 13 wherein said spring means comprises an annular, outwardly projecting flange.
 15. An adapter as claimed in claim 13 wherein said spring means comprises a plurality of peripherally spaced flanges projecting outwardly from said collar.
 16. An adapter as claimed in claim 9 including a top wall portion projecting outwardly from said collar, and a side wall depending from the periphery of said top wall portion and defining said container locking portion.
 17. An adapter as claimed in claim 16 wherein said side wall includes a plurality of inwardly recessed portions spaced from each other along the periphery of said top wal portion, said container locking elements being located on said recessed portions.
 18. An adapter as claimed in claim 17 wherein each container locking elements projects outwardly from one of the recessed portions, and a slot is defined between each container locking element and one edge of the associated recessed portion to permit entry of a cap locking element into said recessed portion.
 19. An adapter as claimed in claim 9 wherein said collar includes a radially inwardly extending top portion, and an axially extending side portion, said side portion defining said container locking portion, said container locking elements each projecting from said side portion adjacent the upper edge thereof, and said biasing means comprising integral spring flange means projecting outwardly from the lower edge of said side portion.
 20. An adapter as claimed in claim 19 wherein said spring flange means includes a plurality of spring flanges, each being located between an adjacent pair of said container locking elements.
 21. A child proof closure assembly comprising: an adapter having a container mounting collar for securing said adapter to a container; a container locking portion carried by said collar, and a plurality of container locking elements spaced from each other on said container locking portion; a safety cap having an end wall, a peripheral skirt projecting from said end wall for receiving said container locking portion, a plurality of cap locking elements spaced peripherally from each other on the inner surface of said skirt; said cap locking elements being engageable with and disengageable from said container locking elements by an axial motion followed successively by a rotative motion of said cap relative to said adapter; and biasing means engageable between said cap and adapter for biasing said cap locking elements toward locked engagement with said container locking elements, said biasing means comprising at least one resilient biasing element on said collar and a plunger on said cap engageable with said resilient biasing element and cooperable therewith to urge said cap locking elements into engagement with said container locking elements, said resilient biasing element comprising an integral flange projecting radially from said collar.
 22. An assembly as claimed in claim 21 wherein said flange projects radially outwardly from said collar.
 23. An assembly as claimed in claim 21 wherein said flange projects radially inwardly from said collar.
 24. An assembly as claimed in claim 21 wherein said adapter includes a top wall portion projecting outwardly from said collar, and a side wall depending from the periphery of said top wall portion and defining said container locking portion.
 25. An assembly as claimed in claim 24 wherein said side wall includes a plurality of inwardly recessed portions spaced from each other along the periphery of said top wall portion, said container locking elements being located on said recessed portions.
 26. An assembly as claimed in claim 25 Wherein each container locking element projects outwardly from one of the recessed portions, and a slot is defined between each container locking element and one edge of the associated recessed portion to permit entry of a cap locking element into said recessed portion.
 27. An assembly as claimed in claim 21 wherein said collar includes a radially inwardly extending top portion, and an axially extending side portion, said side portion defining said container locking portion, said container locking elements each projecting from said side portion adjacent the upper edge thereof, and said biasing means comprising integral spring flange means projecting outwardly from the lower edge of said side portion.
 28. An assembly as claimed in claim 27 wherein said spring flange means includes a plurality of spring flanges, spring means integrally formed on one of said cap and adapter and plunger means integrally formed on the other of said cap and adapter, said plunger means being engaged with said spring means when the cap and container locking elements are in locked engagement with each other such that the cap and container locking elements are biased against movement from locked engagement with each other by the engagement of said plunger means with said spring means; said cap and container locking elements being axially disengageable by axial movement of said cap toward said adapter to cause said plunger means to deflect said spring means.
 29. An assembly as claimed in claim 21 further including interengageable stop elements on said cap and adapter for limiting the axial motion of said cap toward said adapter.
 30. An assembly as claimed in claim 29 wherein said interengageable stop elements comprises a radially extending stop section on the skirt of said cap, and an upwardly projecting rim on the container locking portion of said adapter engageable by said stop section upon predetermined movement of said cap toward said adapter and corresponding predetermined deflection of said spring member.
 31. An assembly as claimed in claim 29 wherein said interengageable stop elements comprises a cylindrical extension projecting axially from the free end of the skirt of said cap, and a shoulder on said adapter engageable by said extension upon predetermined movement of said cap toward said adapter and corresponding deflection of said spring member.
 32. A safety closure and container assembly comprising: a container having an annular retaining rim, said rim having a top surface and a side surface depending from said top surface; a molded plastic safety cap adapter mounted on said container; said adapter comprising an annular collar with a generally axially extending surface engaging the side surface of said rim and an annular shoulder projecting beneath the side surface of said rim to restrain said adapter against axial withdrawal from said rim, said adapter further including a container locking portion, a plurality of spaced container locking elements on said container locking portion; a cap having a skirt receiving said container locking portion, and a plurality of cap locking elements spaced from each other on the inner surface of said skirt, said cap locking elements being engageable with and disengageable from said container locking elements by an axial motion followed successively by a rotative motion of said cap relative to said adapter; and further including biasing means engageable between said cap and adapter for biasing said cap locking elements toward locked engagement with said container locking elements, said biasing means including radially projecting spring means integrally formed on one of said cap and adapter and resiliently deflectable in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said container, and plunger means integrally formed on the other of said cap and adapter, said plunger means being engaged with said spring means when the cap and container locking elements are in locked engagement with each other such that the cap and container locking elementS are biased against movement from locked engagement with each other by the engagement of said plunger means with said spring means; said cap and container locking elements being axially disengageable by axial movement of said cap toward said adapter to cause said plunger means to deflect said spring means. 